Research Fellow - School of Education Grade 7

Job Description Position Details

College of Social Sciences

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2027

Closing date: 20th September 2026

UK travel may be required for this role

A postdoctoral researcher is sought to join Dr Gabriela Misca's research team on a study investigating policy and practice relating to Armed Forces families. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research, engage with a range of stakeholders, and help generate evidence that can improve support for military-connected families and communities. The post is available immediately on a fixed-term contract until 31 July 2027.

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project The role will involve mixed-methods research, stakeholder engagement, research and policy analysis and contribution to high-impact research outputs.

The research fellow will be responsible for a variety of tasks across the research project, including but not limited to recruiting participants, data collection and carrying out administrative duties in support of the project.

• Work within specified research programme and contribute to writing bids
• Contribute to the creation of knowledge
• Operate within area of specialism
• Be involved in participant recruitment and data collection
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to public understanding of research and support other members of the research team

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as literature reviews, research interviews, online surveys and focus groups*
• Analyse and interpret data
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters*
• Support organisation and facilitation of stakeholder engagement activities, including research panels, workshops and consultation events
• Liaise with Armed Forces stakeholders, charities and family support organisations
• Contribute to co-produced approaches to research design, interpretation and dissemination
• Contribute to the preparation of policy briefings, reports, presentations and academic outputs
• Develop or adapt research techniques, models and methods
• Work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator whilst taking responsibility for agreed aspects of project delivery
• Provide guidance, as required to support staff, students and stakeholders who may be assisting with the research*
• Review research and policy literature and provide draft summaries
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research project objectives or deadlines*
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research project
• Attend meetings as requested by the PI
• Undertake any other tasks and duties are request by the PI
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document
• These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6

• A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD level qualifications
• Research experience in Psychology, Social Policy, Health and Social Care Research or a closely relevant discipline
• Ability to travel for data collection and stakeholder involvement
• Experience of research involving diverse family forms and/or hard to reach populations
• Experience of participatory, co-produced or stakeholder-engaged…